Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Macbeth — Theme Of Revenge In Macbeth

test_template

Theme of Revenge in Macbeth

  • Categories: Macbeth

About this sample

close

Words: 813 |

Published: Mar 14, 2024

Words: 813 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

Image of Dr. Charlotte Jacobson

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

  • 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
  • Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

author

Dr. Heisenberg

Verified writer

  • Expert in: Literature

writer

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

4 pages / 1939 words

2 pages / 1090 words

1 pages / 533 words

5 pages / 2287 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Macbeth

The play features a series of betrayals and acts of deceit that drive the plot and lead to the tragic downfall of the characters. This essay will explore the role of deceit and deception in the play, analyzing how it contributes [...]

Be careful what you wish upon because it might come back to haunt you in the end. Macbeth was a general, with some positive qualities but he definitely has flaws that come with his personality. Such as committing numbers of [...]

In William Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth, deception plays a significant role as a recurring theme throughout the play. The deceptive nature of numerous characters, including Macbeth himself, Lady Macbeth, and the witches, [...]

In the world of literature, the debate between fate and free will has been a longstanding one. This essay will explore the theme of fate versus free will in Shakespeare's play Macbeth, examining how the characters' actions are [...]

Titus Maccius Plautus once said, “Nothing is more wretched than the mind of a man conscious of guilt.' This speaks to how a man will probably be tortured with guilt and regret when he is fully aware of his wrong doings. [...]

I think Lady Macbeth should take some blame for Duncan’s death, but I don’t think she’s evil, she is tricky and cunning when she influences Macbeth to kill Duncan. Lady Macbeth’s ability to influence her husband leads us the [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

  • Instructions Followed To The Letter
  • Deadlines Met At Every Stage
  • Unique And Plagiarism Free

macbeth revenge essay

  • Entertainment
  • Environment
  • Information Science and Technology
  • Social Issues

Home Essay Samples Literature

Essay Samples on Macbeth

Why is macbeth a tragic hero in shakespeare's play.

Shakespeare's timeless play "Macbeth" introduces us to a character whose downfall is both captivating and tragic. Macbeth, the protagonist, has intrigued audiences for centuries with his complex journey from a noble warrior to a tormented villain. In this essay, we will delve into the reasons...

  • Tragic Hero

How is Macbeth a Tragic Hero: Exploring Shakespeare's Masterpiece

Unveiling the layers of Shakespeare's iconic tragedy, the character of Macbeth stands as a quintessential example of a tragic hero. To answer "how is Macbeth a tragic hero?", in this essay we will delve into the depths of his character, motivations, and the unfolding events...

The Characterisation of Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare’s Drama

In this essay I will explore the play’s key techniques, such as; Imagery, Characterisation, Stage Directions, and Dialogue alongside other important language features which are portrayed in Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ focusing on the extract, Act 1 Scene 7. This scene highlights the central themes of the...

  • Character Analysis

The Tragedy of Macbeth Ambition by William Shakespeare

Morality is defined as principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior. There are objective and subjective accounts of morality which differ from each person. Objective morality includes universally known principles that are not up for analysis and are widely...

  • Macbeth Ambition
  • Macbeth Power

How Shakespeare Presents Ambition in Macbeth

Shakespeare doesn't portray Macbeth as inherently ambitious, but as a tragic hero. He lacks bloodlust yet develops vaulting ambition via metaphysical aid, which leads to an unholy regicide and a tyrannous rule foreseen by the witches.In Macbeth Act 1;5 Lady Macbeth speculates about Macbeth's letter on the prophecies...

  • William Shakespeare

Stressed out with your paper?

Consider using writing assistance:

  • 100% unique papers
  • 3 hrs deadline option

Fair Is Foul And Foul Is Fair In Macbeth And Lord Of The Flies

Life is really hard when fear controls a human being. Fear is very consuming to one's self. Jack Merridew from Lord of the Flies and Macbeth from Macbeth both entered lives that tests their ego and their mental capabilities. “Fair is foul and foul is...

  • Lord of The Flies

Portrayal Of Characters With Animal Imagery In Macbeth

The play Macbeth was written in 1606 by famous playwright William Shakespeare. It is the story of murder and usurper. The storyline went from crime to crime to finally reach the security of the throne. The historical context is about King James the 1st. He...

  • Imagery in Literature

The Use Of Sensory Imagery In Macbeth

Over history, psychological distress has and will always be significant. Shakespeare brings to the audience's attention all the problems that his generation failed to notice. Since hearing the witches’ prophecies, Macbeth finds himself in a predicament trying to fulfill the prediction of him becoming Thane...

Themes Of Power And Ambition In Macbeth 

Ambition is a powerful urge to do or to accomplish something, commonly requiring assurance and diligent work. In Williams Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the characters Lady Macbeth and Macbeth want to gain the position of authority and they are focused to do anything to accomplish this objective....

Overwhelming Ambition Of Macbeth Character

Ambition can force a naturally virtuous man to be enveloped by evil. Macbeth, from William Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth, began as a courageous Scottish general who fought for King Duncan with no mercy. But once the witches lured Macbeth with the possibilities of his prophecies, ambition...

Role Of Ambitions In Our Life

Ambition fills a man with eagerness. Once it is discovered in one’s mind, it demands to be acted upon. Shakespeare’s Macbeth is a tale of a fight between men’s instinct and their love for hierarchical order. The play portrays various levels and dimensions of ambition...

The Definition Of Fate And Free Will In Macbeth

Throughout time, it has been believed that fate has the power to forge one’s destiny. On the other hand though, I believe these choices can defy fate and that fate only manipulates one's mind into choosing their own path. In the play Macbeth, Shakespeare messes...

The Theme Of Fate And Free Will In Macbeth By William Shakespeare

All through the ages it is believed fate, by some wild power, has the ability to manufacture one's fate. The result of an individual's decisions is constrained by the manner by which they are destined to happen. In any case, some accept these decisions can...

Analysis of the Character of Lady Macbeth from the Shakespeare's Play

In the play, Lady Macbeth is the wife of the protagonist Macbeth and one of the most powerful presences of a female character in literature. She is introduced to us in the play reading a letter from her husband who calls her his “dearest partner...

  • Macbeth Guilt

Similarities in Suspence Between The Monkey’s Paw by W.W Jacobs and Macbeth by William Shakespeare

The short story The Monkey’s Paw by W.W Jacobs and the tragic play Macbeth by William Shakespeare both share many similarities in terms of suspense and tension. In the two stories, both the protagonists are consumed by greed which causes them to make irrational decisions...

Gothic Features in Shakespeare's Macbeth

The English advanced courses (LK) in secondary schools intensely work with authentic texts utilizing a vast variety of text types and formats that entail complex literary texts, non-fiction texts, and often visual, audiovisual or listening texts that are extracted from the radio, TV, or the...

  • Gothic Fiction

Macbeth An Iconic Hero Tragic Hero

Throughout Macbeth Macbeth transforms from a respected Noble into a tyrannous ruler that is ultimately defeated by his own hubris. The play tells the classic tale of a tragic hero by giving macbeth a fatal flaw and excessive pride as well as a moment in...

The Destructive Nature of Revenge in Shakespeare's "Macbeth"

The play Macbeth by William Shakespeare delves into the theme of revenge and its impact on the characters, particularly Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, and Macduff. The story shows how revenge serves as a powerful motivator that ultimately leads to tragic consequences. This essay aims to explore...

Macbeth: A Warning of Consequences of Unchecked Ambition

Ambition, as defined as the desire to accomplish a task or reach a goal, is often times seen as desirable due to the sentiment that this trait would allow for more productivity and an increased quality of life. However, as all constructs in the universe...

Shakespeare’s Play Macbeth: The Dark Side of Ambition

Ambition is often seen as a very admirable trait, with it frequently being associated with drive and hard work in order to accomplish a lofty goal. However, it is very possible for someone to have too much ambition. Too much ambition can result in corrosive...

Being Possessed by Ambition: The Tragedy of Macbeth

In Macbeth, Shakespeare uses Macbeth’s tragic fate to show the danger of extreme ambition when that ambition causes people to use deceit and treachery to further their own goals. Ambition, in itself, is not harmful, but untempered ambition has a corrupting influence. Shakespeare illustrates this...

The Horrifying Power of Unchecked Ambition: The Downfall of Macbeth

Ambition is an important aspect of every human being. Sometimes it makes people succeed, but when ambition becomes unchecked, it leads to tragedy even for a great man. William Shakespeare develops the theme of ambition in his play Macbeth. At the beginning of the play,...

Reader's Perspective of the Literary Works

A reader’s perspective of a literary piece is a major component of a writer’s success. A writer uses hidden messages or symbols beneath the morals of the story to allow for the imagination of the audience to be explored. In the play Macbeth, William Shakespeare...

  • Perspective

Presence of Elizabethan Tragedy in Shakespeare's Macbeth

The tragedy of “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare, was written in the early 1600s. Many people debate whether this play is an Aristotelian tragedy or an Elizabethan tragedy. The main components that are included within an Aristotelian tragedy involve, fate and free will impacting the character’s...

  • Literature Review

Battle of Good and Evil in Macbeth and Faustus

The conflict between good and evil is a common theme explored in British literature. Two works of literature that reflect this binary between good and evil are Doctor Faustus, written by Christopher Marlowe, and Macbeth, written by Shakespeare. Every day, a person is faced with...

Satan as a Hero in Paradise Lost

Literary heroism typically refers to a character being admired for their courage, achievements or noble qualities. However, there are many interpretations of what a hero can be defined as depending on the context. In Milton’s Paradise Lost, the character of Satan tends to be pigeonholed...

  • Paradise Lost

Macbeth: The Power of Influence and Manipulation

Life Changing Decisions The definition of influence is the power to have an important effect on someone or something. Guilt is a feeling that can haunt the conscience, make one feel excessive remorse and in extreme conditions suffer from mental health issues. The play Macbeth,...

Depiction of Evil in Shakespear's Macbeth

This essay is going to explore how Shakespeare creates a mood of evil through the characters, scenes and language and examines how the audience at that time may have been affected and how they reacted to this tragedy, Macbeth, set in Scotland in 1040. Macbeth...

Macbeth: Mental Illness in Shakespeare's Play

Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth, follows the story of a once loyal servant to the King, who was appointed General of the army and was honoured and commended for his services. In the play, Macbeth doesn’t react to this fondly, and instead grew a stronger desire for...

Manipulation and Uncontrolled Ambition in Shakespeare's Macbeth

Macbeth is a play about uncontrolled ambition. Ambition is a strong desire to successfully achieve more in terms of status, possessions or power. It may be motivated by need, greed or vanity. It requires much inner discipline and inner strength, and the drive to be...

“To Be Or Not To Be?” How Relevant Is Shakespeare

Shakespeare has been dead for over four hundred years now. Four hundred two years now to be exact. Many people recognize the name William Shakespeare but when was the last time you have read one of his poems or stories or even watched one of...

  • 21St Century

Costume Design in Macbeth

Macbeth is strongly associated, in most imaginations, with the peculiar and picturesque costume of the Highlanders, as that common to all ancient Scotland. Walter Scott relates with great satisfaction how with his own hand, he plucked the huge bunches of black plumes from the bonnet...

  • Literary Devices

Analysis Of Act Two Scene One Of Shakespeare's Macbeth

Macbeth, also known as ‘’The Tragedy of Macbeth’’ is a play by William Shakespeare. It was performed for the first time around the early 1600’s. Shakespeare was born in 1564. His family a part of the middle-income group and they were a successful glove-maker. He...

The Impact of The Supernatural on Macbeth's Actions in Shakespeare's Play

Corruption, fraud, and violence are a few of many aspects of human life that result from choosing the wrong path in one’s life. Proven by the robber barons of the 19th century, John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, and Cornelius Vanderbilt often dealt with the aspects...

Best topics on Macbeth

1. Why Is Macbeth a Tragic Hero in Shakespeare’s Play

2. How is Macbeth a Tragic Hero: Exploring Shakespeare’s Masterpiece

3. The Characterisation of Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare’s Drama

4. The Tragedy of Macbeth Ambition by William Shakespeare

5. How Shakespeare Presents Ambition in Macbeth

6. Fair Is Foul And Foul Is Fair In Macbeth And Lord Of The Flies

7. Portrayal Of Characters With Animal Imagery In Macbeth

8. The Use Of Sensory Imagery In Macbeth

9. Themes Of Power And Ambition In Macbeth 

10. Overwhelming Ambition Of Macbeth Character

11. Role Of Ambitions In Our Life

12. The Definition Of Fate And Free Will In Macbeth

13. The Theme Of Fate And Free Will In Macbeth By William Shakespeare

14. Analysis of the Character of Lady Macbeth from the Shakespeare’s Play

15. Similarities in Suspence Between The Monkey’s Paw by W.W Jacobs and Macbeth by William Shakespeare

  • Hidden Intellectualism
  • A Raisin in The Sun
  • Sonny's Blues
  • American Born Chinese
  • The Glass Castle
  • A Thousand Splendid Suns

Need writing help?

You can always rely on us no matter what type of paper you need

*No hidden charges

100% Unique Essays

Absolutely Confidential

Money Back Guarantee

By clicking “Send Essay”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement. We will occasionally send you account related emails

You can also get a UNIQUE essay on this or any other topic

Thank you! We’ll contact you as soon as possible.

Essay Service Examples Law Revenge

The Role Of Revenge In Macbeth

  • Proper editing and formatting
  • Free revision, title page, and bibliography
  • Flexible prices and money-back guarantee

document

Works Cited

  • Berglas, Steven. 'Revenge done Right.' Psychology Today, vol. 52, no. 1, 2019, pp. 68. ProQuest, http://nclive.org/cgi-bin/nclsm?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/2159926356?accountid=13675. Accessed 10 Dec. 2019.

Our writers will provide you with an essay sample written from scratch: any topic, any deadline, any instructions.

reviews

Cite this paper

Related essay topics.

Get your paper done in as fast as 3 hours, 24/7.

Related articles

The Role Of Revenge In Macbeth

Most popular essays

  • Literary Criticism
  • Wuthering Heights

The creator authentic Heathcliff into a consummate villain. He used to be a gypsy of...

The play I have chosen for my Independent Reading Project is Medea written by Euripides. It is an...

  • Justification

A lot of questions about V’s actions and use of violence arise while reading V for Vendetta. Many...

  • Human Behavior
  • Perspective

As many words really do sound or appear similarly, they often create a lot of confusion for people...

  • The Odyssey

An assorted number of women have a very important and influential role in the Odyssey, which for...

The fear of what is inside you, your desire for revenge, your lack of control over your impulses,...

When discussing the topics of justice and revenge, we find that these acts are usually on the...

Thyestes is considered Seneca's masterpiece and has been described as one amongst the most...

  • Romeo and Juliet

Juliet expresses her love for Romeo by stating “O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo? Deny is...

Join our 150k of happy users

  • Get original paper written according to your instructions
  • Save time for what matters most

Fair Use Policy

EduBirdie considers academic integrity to be the essential part of the learning process and does not support any violation of the academic standards. Should you have any questions regarding our Fair Use Policy or become aware of any violations, please do not hesitate to contact us via [email protected].

We are here 24/7 to write your paper in as fast as 3 hours.

Provide your email, and we'll send you this sample!

By providing your email, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Say goodbye to copy-pasting!

Get custom-crafted papers for you.

Enter your email, and we'll promptly send you the full essay. No need to copy piece by piece. It's in your inbox!

Betrayal in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” Essay

  • To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
  • As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
  • As a template for you assignment

Introduction

Betrayal in macbeth, conclusions, works cited.

Macbeth is a play by Shakespeare set during the Second War. One of the major themes in the play is betrayal. The betrayer, Macbeth betrays the King, friend and other subjects in the kingdom. It is a violent play, full of murders even as Macbeth does all he can to ensure he becomes the king and there is no opposition. The killings are merciless and finally, some of the Kingdom subjects decided to fight him. They were able to kill him and ensure the peace in the country is restored.

The story occurs in Scotland, beginning with Macbeth and Banquo’s defeat of the Norway and Ireland armies. They are generals in King Duncan’s administration. In Act 1 Scene 3, Macbeth and Banquo meet with witches who prophesy to them. They prophesy that Macbeth will be the Thane of Cawdor, which is a rank of Scottish royalty. They also prophesy he will be the King of England. For Banquo, he was told his sons will be kings however he himself would not be king. The men are skeptical of the witches’ prophesies. However when Macbeth is told he has just been chosen as the Thane of Cawdor, scenes of the possibilities of him as the King start to form in his mind. Macbeth is made the Thane of Cawdor as the former Thane had betrayed the King. The king, angered by the former thane’s betrayal has stripped him of his title and ordered that he be put to death. The Thane had betrayed the King by fighting on the Norwegians side during the battle. Macbeth starts thinking of the witches’ prophesies and betrayal starts to take root and grow in his heart.

He starts thinking of how to usurp the Kingship. When he tells his wife of the witches’ prophesy, the wife betrays the king in her heart and actions as she starts telling her husband to waste no time in killing the king. Lady Macbeth was the main driving force that greatly influences him to do everything possible to become the King (Learmond, 2007). She does not hesitate at all to think on the impact and consequences of Macbeth’s actions. She tells him to pretend to be the King’s friend then kill him. She tells “False face must hide what the false heart doth know” (Markham, 2011) The greed for power and his wife’s influence drives Macbeth to kill the king while he is asleep. He frames the chamberlains for the murder. Later, he pretends he is so angry and outraged by the chamberlain’s decision to kill the King that he kills them. The King’s sons, Malcom and Donalbein escape seeing the treason and betrayal, flee for their lives.

The friend and others

Macbeth, fearful of the witches prophesies that his friend’s son will become the king starts thinking of how to kill him and his sons thus betraying their friendship. The friend’s son in the future may become an obstacle to his goal of becoming a king and therefore he needs to be eliminated. This shows that Macbeth’s heart has never been loyal to the King and his friend (Spark Notes Editors, n,d). The intensity of betrayal is high as Macbeth goes on a blood path. The witches’ prophesy is suspect as it seems they had plans to oust the king. They betray Macbeth’s confidence since he believes the prophecies are given with good intention. Macbeth betrays his friend by sending a group of people to kill him and his son while on his way to a royal feast. The son, Fleance however is able to escape.

Macbeth betrays his fellow subject, Maduff. He seizes the castle and kills Macduff’s wife and children. Macbeth had visited the demons and spirits and received prophecies of how Macduff, a man who was greatly against the plan of Macbeth becoming the King.

Macbeth sees Macduff as a threat to the establishment of his rule so he kills the family. Macduff escapes the country. The former king’s son, Price Malcom has assembled an army at England. Macduff and Malcom combine forces and advance to attack Macbeth. The nobles in the country desire that Malcom wins the war. They are in shock in the way Macbeth has been murderous and dictatorial.When Macbeath and Malcom’s army meet in battle, Macbeath and his army are defeated. Macduff kills him and Malcom becomes the king.

Macbeth efforts to control the kingdom do not bear fruits. The ghost of Banquo visits him causing him to rave in the presence of his subjects incoherently. The wife tries to cover for him however there is already resistance against, Macbeth. The fruits of betrayal of the king and the friend are painful. Lady Macbeth commits suicide after having spells of sleepwalking. She actually says that she has blood on hands, knowing the number of people her husband and her have killed. Maduff, on seeing the King’s body is not convinced of Macbeth’s innocence and starts to observe vim quietly.

The story seeks to shows the effects of greed for power and influence. It can cause devastation in a kingdom, as subjects seek to be rulers. Treason and betrayal does not and usually does not pay off for any person (Dollack, 2009). That is the teaching the author conveys.

Dollack, Amanda.”Literary Analysis: Dominant themes in Shakespeare’s Macbeth”. Helium , 2009. Web.

Learmond, Wayne. “Macbeth”. Associated Content , 2009. Web.

Markham, Samantha. ”Key Quotations from Macbeth”. Suite101 , 2011. Web.

Spark Notes Editors (n.d.) “Macbeth” . Spark Notes.

  • Musical "My Fair Lady" and "Pygmalion" by Shaw: Comparative Analysis
  • Individual’s Sense of Entitlement and Destructive Behavior in “King Lear”
  • Supernatural in "Macbeth" Play by Shakespeare
  • Malcom X’s “The Ballot of the Bullet”
  • Emotions and Outward Actions in Shakespeare’s "Macbeth"
  • Shakespearean Hamlet’s Character Interpretation
  • Political Uses of Literature in “Dutchman” by Amiri Baraka
  • "The Twelfth Night" by William Shakespeare: The Play Analysis
  • Jeffrey R. Wilson: Macbeth and Criminology
  • Anti-Racism in Shakespeare’s Othello
  • Chicago (A-D)
  • Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2022, May 6). Betrayal in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”. https://ivypanda.com/essays/betrayal-in-shakespeares-macbeth/

"Betrayal in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”." IvyPanda , 6 May 2022, ivypanda.com/essays/betrayal-in-shakespeares-macbeth/.

IvyPanda . (2022) 'Betrayal in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”'. 6 May.

IvyPanda . 2022. "Betrayal in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”." May 6, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/betrayal-in-shakespeares-macbeth/.

1. IvyPanda . "Betrayal in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”." May 6, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/betrayal-in-shakespeares-macbeth/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Betrayal in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”." May 6, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/betrayal-in-shakespeares-macbeth/.

Themes of Revenge in Macbeth

3 Pages 872 Words March 2015

The definition of revenge is a type of justice that people of the law will not do so, regular people take it upon themselves to do it (Francis Bacon). For the story Macbeth, there are multiple accounts of this happening. Some people that this happens to is Macduff, Macbeth, and more. A good question for this play is, was revenge justified in this play or not? To answer this question, I would say yes, revenge is justified in the play when it happens. Like said previously, there are multiple people get to act upon revenge, with these different people there are many different situations that allow some of the people in the play to do horrible things or things that are justified because people of higher authority won't do anything to help or they are the ones that cause the problems. An example of justified revenge taking place in the play is with the murder of King Duncan. Prior to this event Macbeth and Banquo are told by the witches that Macbeth will become king, and the sons of Banquo will rule after him (Third Witch, 19). Macbeth informs his wife Lady Macbeth about what happened and she wants to plan the death of King Duncan. She then encourages Macbeth to kill Duncan. When this happens, Duncan's sons, Malcolm and Donalbain flee Scotland. Malcolm goes to England while Donalbain goes to Ireland and is never mentioned in the play after that. As an act of revenge, Malcolm gets the assistants of the English king and Siward, the commander of the English forces. With them Malcolm takes the crown of Scotland where he is supposed to be. This is an example of what was stated in the story called "Of Revenge," it stated that which is past is gone...wise men have enough to do with things present and future...This means that yes;the past is gone but , it still affects what people do in the present that will affect our future. Another example of revenge being justified is the murder of Banquo. Macbeth originally hired two people to murder Banquo ...

Related Essays:

Macbeth ( AQA GCSE English Literature )

Topic questions.

DownloadView
Medium Download questions View answers

Read the following extract from Act 2 Scene 2 of Macbeth and then answer the question that follows.

At this point in the play, Macbeth has murdered Duncan and has returned to Lady Macbeth.

5 Methought I heard a voice cry, ‘Sleep no more:
Macbeth does murder sleep’, the innocent sleep,
Sleep that knits up the ravelled sleeve of care,
The death of each day’s life, sore labour’s bath,
Balm of hurt minds, great nature’s second course,
10 Chief nourisher in life’s feast.
What do you mean?
Still it cried, ‘Sleep no more’ to all the house;
‘Glamis hath murdered sleep’, and therefore Cawdor
Shall sleep no more: Macbeth shall sleep no more.
15 Who was it, that thus cried? Why, worthy thane,
You do unbend your noble strength to think
So brain-sickly of things. Go get some water
And wash this filthy witness from your hand.
Why did you bring these daggers from the place?
20 They must lie there. Go carry them and smear
The sleepy grooms with blood.
            I’ll go no more.
I am afraid to think what I have done;
Look on’t again, I dare not.
25             Infirm of purpose!
Give me the daggers. The sleeping and the dead
Are but as pictures; ’tis the eye of childhood
That fears a painted devil. If he do bleed,
I’ll gild the faces of the grooms withal,
  For it must seem their guilt.

Starting with this conversation, explore how Shakespeare presents the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.

Write about:

  • how Shakespeare presents their relationship in this extract
  • how Shakespeare presents the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in the play as a whole.

[30 marks] AO4 [4 marks]

How did you do?

Did this page help you?

Read the following extract from Act 5 Scene 1 of Macbeth and then answer the question that follows. At this point in the play, the Doctor and the Gentlewoman watch Lady Macbeth sleepwalking.

Out, damned spot! Out, I say! One, two. Why
   then ’tis time to do’t. Hell is murky. Fie, my lord, fie, a soldier,
   and afeard? What need we fear who knows it, when none can
   call our power to account? Yet who would have thought the old

5

   man to have had so much blood in him?

Do you mark that?

The Thane of Fife had a wife. Where is she
   now? What, will these hands ne’er be clean? No more o’that,
   my Lord, no more o’that. You mar all with this starting.

  10

Go to, go to; you have known what you should not.

She has spoke what she should not, I am sure of
   that. Heaven knows what she has known.

Here’s the smell of the blood still; all the perfumes
   of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand. O, O, O.

  15

What a sigh is there! The heart is sorely charged.

I would not have such a heart in my bosom for
   the dignity of the whole body.

Well, well, well –

Pray God it be, sir.

  20   This disease is beyond my practice; yet I have known

   those which have walked in their sleep who have died holily in
   their beds.

Wash your hands, put on your night-gown, look
   not so pale. I tell you yet again, Banquo’s buried; he cannot
   come out on’s grave.

  25

Even so?
To bed, to bed; there’s knocking at the gate.
   Come, come, come, come, give me your hand; what’s done
   cannot be undone. To bed, to bed, to bed.

‘Lady Macbeth is a female character who changes during the play.’ Starting with this moment in the play, explore how far you agree with this view. Write about:

  • how Shakespeare presents Lady Macbeth in this extract
  • how far Shakespeare presents Lady Macbeth as a female character who changes in the play as a whole.

Read the following extract from Act 1 Scene 2 of Macbeth and then answer the question that follows. At this point in the play, the Captain tells Duncan about Macbeth’s part in the recent battle.

 

                                  Doubtful it stood,
As two spent swimmers that do cling together
And choke their art. The merciless Macdonald –
Worthy to be a rebel, for to that

5 The multiplying villainies of nature
Do swarm upon him – from the Western Isles
Of kerns and galloglasses is supplied,
And Fortune on his damnèd quarrel smiling,
Showed like a rebel’s whore. But all’s too weak,
10 For brave Macbeth – well he deserves that name –
Disdaining Fortune, with his brandished steel,
Which smoked with bloody execution,
Like Valour’s minion carved out his passage
Till he faced the slave,
15 Which ne’er shook hands, nor bade farewell to him,
Till he unseamed him from the nave to th’chaps
And fixed his head upon our battlements.

Starting with this speech, explore how far Shakespeare presents Macbeth as a violent character.

  • how Shakespeare presents Macbeth in this extract
  • how far Shakespeare presents Macbeth as a violent character in the play as a whole.

Read the following extract from Act 1 Scene 3 of Macbeth and then answer the question that follows.

At this point in the play, after receiving The Witches’ prophecies, Macbeth and Banquo have just been told that Duncan has made Macbeth Thane of Cawdor.

5

      But ’tis strange,

And oftentimes, to win us to our harm,
The instruments of darkness tell us truths;
Win us with honest trifles, to betray’s
In deepest consequence. –

10

Cousins, a word, I pray you.

         Two truths are told,
As happy prologues to the swelling act
Of the imperial theme. – I thank you, gentlemen. –
This supernatural soliciting

15 Cannot be ill, cannot be good. If ill,
Why hath it given me earnest of success,
Commencing in a truth? I am Thane of Cawdor.
If good, why do I yield to that suggestion,
Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair
20 And make my seated heart knock at my ribs
Against the use of nature? Present fears
Are less than horrible imaginings.
My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical,
Shakes so my single state of man that function
  Is smothered in surmise, and nothing is,
But what is not.

Starting with this moment in the play, explore how Shakespeare presents the attitudes of Macbeth and Banquo towards the supernatural.

  • how Shakespeare presents the attitudes of Macbeth and Banquo towards the supernatural in this extract
  • how Shakespeare presents the attitudes of Macbeth and Banquo towards the supernatural in the play as a whole.

You are now being redirected to easypdfs.cloud....

Advertisement

Supported by

news analysis

Trump’s Vows to Prosecute Rivals Put Rule of Law on the Ballot

Donald Trump’s promise to seek retribution challenges long-established norms. The election could hinge in part on what kind of justice system the country believes it has now and wants in the future.

  • Share full article

Former President Donald J. Trump in a dark suit jacket, white shirt and red tie, chin tilted up and the corners of his mouth pulled down.

By Adam Liptak

Reporting from Washington

Former President Donald J. Trump says he is prepared to prosecute his political enemies if he is elected this fall. Simply making those threats, legal experts said, does real damage to the rule of law.

But if he is already challenging bedrock norms about the justice system as a candidate, Mr. Trump, if he wins the presidency again, would gain immense authority to actually carry out the kinds of legal retribution he has been promoting.

The Justice Department is part of the executive branch, and he will be its boss. He will be able to tell its officials to investigate and prosecute his rivals, and Mr. Trump, who has made no secret of his desire to purge the federal bureaucracy of those found insufficiently loyal to his agenda, will be able to fire those who refuse.

While the department has traditionally had substantial independence, that is only because presidents have granted it. If the legal system resists political prosecutions in a second Trump term, it will be largely because judges and jurors reject them.

Mr. Trump’s musings on his planned prosecutions serve an immediate political purpose, highlighting his argument that his conviction in New York was the product of an effort by Democrats to keep him from being elected again and providing the red meat of prospective retribution to his base.

But they also have the effect, partly incidental and partly calculated, of undermining faith in the integrity of the criminal justice system, a development that could have profound effects in a nation where the rule of law has been foundational.

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber?  Log in .

Want all of The Times?  Subscribe .

COMMENTS

  1. Theme Of Revenge In Macbeth: [Essay Example], 813 words

    Revenge is a powerful and enduring theme in William Shakespeare's tragedy, Macbeth. From the very beginning of the play, we see the seeds of vengeance planted in the hearts of the characters, driving their actions and ultimately leading to their downfall. In Macbeth, the titular character's desire for revenge is sparked by the prophecies of the ...

  2. The Destructive Nature of Revenge in Shakespeare's "Macbeth"

    The story shows how revenge serves as a powerful motivator that ultimately leads to tragic consequences. This essay aims to explore the role of revenge in Macbeth and its lasting impact on literature and popular culture. Macbeth's desire for revenge is sparked by the witches' prophecy that he will become king.

  3. Themes Revenge Macbeth (Grades 9-1)

    Themes Revenge. Revenge is an important theme and is contrasted with the idea of justice being done. When Duncan asks whether the traitorous Cawdor has been executed (I.4.1), he is asking for justice. Macbeth's execution of Duncan's guards is not an example of justice, even though Macbeth claims to act in revenge for Duncan's murder. When Banquo's ghost appears, apparently seeking ...

  4. How do three examples of revenge in Macbeth relate to those in modern

    Three examples of revenge in Macbeth relate to survivors or victims of murders that Macbeth or his henchmen committed. Macduff avenges the killing of his family. Young Malcolm avenges the murder ...

  5. Remembrance and Revenge: Hamlet, Macbeth and The Tempest

    In the following essay, Neill discusses the theme of revenge in Hamlet, Macbeth, and The Tempest. He asserts that Hamlet and Macbeth are antitypes—the first see Select an area of the website to ...

  6. Macbeth Critical Essays

    Macbeth's. Topic #3. A motif is a word, image, or action in a drama that happens over and over again. There is a recurring motif of blood and violence in the tragedy Macbeth. This motif ...

  7. Themes Writing about patterns of revenge Macbeth (Grades 9-1)

    Top tip: Writing about patterns of revenge. Examine the pattern of this theme by looking at the blood relatives who are affected by Macbeth's actions. Malcolm and Donalbain lose their father to Macbeth, as does Fleance, and the sons want revenge. The sons of Macduff and Old Seyward are killed and so the fathers will also seek retribution.

  8. Macbeth Essays: Samples & Topics

    The play Macbeth by William Shakespeare delves into the theme of revenge and its impact on the characters, particularly Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, and Macduff. The story shows how revenge serves as a powerful motivator that ultimately leads to tragic consequences. This essay aims to explore...

  9. The Role Of Revenge In Macbeth

    Revenge is the definition of inflicting harm to someone that has brought suffering to others. Macbeth aggravates hatred amongst the character of Malcolm and Macduff, as unjustly, flesh, and blood become sacrifices of Macbeth's tyranny. The nature of which Malcolm and Macduff act out vengeance contrast in the means of aggression and provocation.

  10. Betrayal in Shakespeare's "Macbeth"

    One of the major themes in the play is betrayal. The betrayer, Macbeth betrays the King, friend and other subjects in the kingdom. It is a violent play, full of murders even as Macbeth does all he can to ensure he becomes the king and there is no opposition. The killings are merciless and finally, some of the Kingdom subjects decided to fight him.

  11. Seeking Revenge In Macbeth

    He'd like to be face to face in battle with Macbeth immediately. In this passage, Macduff, admits that he will seek revenge for his family. Malcolm says "come, go we to the King. Our power is ready. . . Macbeth is ripe for shaking." (4.3.277-9) Malcolm is summoning Macduff for battle. Macduff says power is that he is backed by the English.

  12. Theme Of Revenge In Macbeth

    As Macbeth got his hands bloody, he became an inhumane liar. In William Shakespeare's play Macbeth, the symbol of blood reveals the theme of revenge. Macbeth is known as a noble soldier. He was adored by the people and especially by the king. The play began with Macbeth and his dear friend, Banquo, finishing the vengeance of a man they knew ...

  13. PDF Six Macbeth' essays by Wreake Valley students

    s on transfers all that built-up rage into it. Lady Macbeth is shown by Shakespeare to be strongly emotional, passionate and ambitious; these act almost as her ham. rtias leading to her eventual suicide in act 5. Shakespeare's specific portrayal of Lady Macbeth is done to shock the audience, she. is a character contradic.

  14. Macbeth Revenge Essay

    Macbeth Revenge Essay - -----Module. English (Q300) 69 Documents. Students shared 69 documents in this course. University University of Nottingham. Academic year: 2022/2023. Uploaded by: Anonymous Student. This document has been uploaded by a student, just like you, who decided to remain anonymous.

  15. The Role Of Revenge In Macbeth

    Throughout the plot of Macbeth, Malcolm and Macduff endure situations of which prompt retaliation, yet the men handle revenge distinctly due to the contrast of healthy and logical perspectives. Macbeth, the main character of the play Macbeth, is known as the Thane of Glamis and considered a war hero amongst Scotland, a loyal subject to King Duncan.

  16. Macbeth Key Theme: Ambition

    Ambition is Macbeth's fatal character flaw, his hamartia: In tragedy, a tragic hero must have a tragic flaw. In Macbeth, as in most tragedy, the tragic hero's hamartia is the cause of their own downfall: Macbeth's ambition to gain, and retain, the throne leads to him committing more and more evil acts. Other characters seek revenge for ...

  17. Free Essays on Themes of Revenge in Macbeth

    Themes of Revenge in Macbeth. 3 Pages 872 Words March 2015. The definition of revenge is a type of justice that people of the law will not do so, regular people take it upon themselves to do it (Francis Bacon). For the story Macbeth, there are multiple accounts of this happening. Some people that this happens to is Macduff, Macbeth, and more.

  18. Macbeth

    All Answers. 1 34 marks. Macbeth. Read the following extract from Act 2 Scene 2 of Macbeth and then answer the question that follows. At this point in the play, Macbeth has murdered Duncan and has returned to Lady Macbeth. 5. MACBETH Methought I heard a voice cry, 'Sleep no more: Macbeth does murder sleep', the innocent sleep,

  19. PDF Final Exam Macbeth Answer Key (2024)

    Macbeth Saddleback Educational Publishing,2006-09-01 Shakespeare's plays are thought-provoking and complex texts that explore the human themes of romance, deceit, tragedy, comedy, and revenge. These activity guides are designed by teachers for teachers to help students navigate the complexity.

  20. What to Know About the Latest Social Security Number Breach

    The details are murky. In April, Hackmanac, a cybersecurity company, posted on X that about 2.9 billion records of personal data were for sale, from people in the United States, Canada and Britain ...

  21. Russia Quashes Deadly Prison Mutiny by Islamist Inmates

    An image taken from video released by Russian state media showed security officers inside Penal Colony No. 19 in Volgograd, Russia, where inmates mutinied and killed several guards on Friday.

  22. Opinion

    My country must break the cycle of denial and revenge that has divided and held it back for decades. ... Guest Essay. An Old Bangladeshi Reflex Threatens Its Revolution. Aug. 24, 2024.

  23. Opinion

    The sisters in "Macbeth" were the "weird sisters," in the meaning of "fate sisters," telling the future. But they were also portrayed as ghoulish in appearance and attire.

  24. Trump's Vows to Prosecute Rivals Put Rule of Law on the Ballot

    Mr. Rivkin, an author of a recent opinion essay in The Wall Street Journal arguing that Mr. Trump's felony convictions in New York violated his right to due process, said the former president ...